your lungs and anesthesia - anyone experience problems?

Sue's Eye · October 22, 2007

I've been inhaling on the spirometer that was given to me last month and I can't get it to what the nurse said it should be. I can get it up to 1750, but it is supposed to be around 2000. Also, I've really struggled with quitting smoking, making it for two days in a row, then relapsing and having start over. Today is a startover day...again. My surgery is one week from today. I really don't want to damage my recovery period with lung issues, so can anyone enlighten me as to whether you had no problems post-op or if you had problems, what they were and how you handled it?

Anything at all you think would be helpful is appreciated. I'm pretty stressed out about it.

kirajh · October 22, 2007

Hi

Four years ago, I ws hospitalized with Legionaire's Disease and was also a very long time smoker. It really did a number on my lungs. I had my surgery 7-16 in Mexico and they did a breathing test on me./ They said I only had 61% lung capacity so they gave me an Albuteral treatment before and then again after the surgery. So, I don't think you would have a problem unless you have less lung capacity. I didn't have any problems.

mariaxoxo4u · October 23, 2007

I too am struggling with the smoking issue. My date is November 9 and the surgeon and I made an agreement that I would quite approx. 4 weeks prior to surgery. Well, like you, I quit for 3 days, smoke for 1 day, quit again etc... Today is day 2 of quitting for the 3rd time since October 15. Plus, I had the sleep study done last nite and the technician said "he's not a doctor" but he is pretty sure I have sleep apnea. (Stopped breathing almost every 15 seconds). So, I feel for you!!! I am going to request albuterol therapy before and after the operation just as kirajh did. Smoking can complicate anesthesia and that scares me the most. I know you can do it for this week!! Good luck to you and keep us posted!!!

:mad::girl_hug:

Maria

MissSac · October 23, 2007

There is a new medication that helps people stop smoking.. it is a 3 month therapy,... I have a friend who started it less then a week ago and she, within 24 hours, could not stand the taste of a cigarette.

Good luck!

Pattypoo1 · October 23, 2007

It's called Chantix and I would say 99% of my patients on it have quit...

mariaxoxo4u · October 23, 2007

I'm in the 1 percentile - really didn't do much for me. I'm lying - maybe, just a little bit - I waited a little longer between cigs. My Mom quit completely with Chantix so I know it does work - it's definately worth a shot.

Maria

Sue's Eye · October 24, 2007

Thanks, y'all. I'm still struggling, but working that spirometer like crazy. Last night i got it over 2000, so I'm beginning to feel more confident that collapsed lungs won't be an issue.

stfnklly · October 24, 2007

My doctor told me that the number on the spirometer wasn't that important, it just that they want you pushing a consistant amount of air through your lungs. I had a breathing treatment before and after surgery and everything was OK. I also quit smoking a year ago using Chantix and I have asthma. Since my surgery I haven't had to use my inhaler. I had my surgery on the 18th of October and I have lost 22 lbs. My first fill is 11/25/07